Latest Open University News

Once again this past week we’ve been busy scanning across the internet to find the latest information and Open University courses. This week we feature digital learning, a new app and spiritualism. So if there’s a free course or bit of news on the agenda then hopefully we will pick it up and stick it on the next Open University news.

Harriet Swain is correct in pointing to digital learning as an opportunity for the OU, but missed an important point around the proposed closure of seven regional centres in England. The OU is a national university, but I believe its strength lies in its experienced support staff coming from the same cities and regions as their students and tutors – they understand them and this knowledge is shared nationally.

‘OU HUNT’ is an app that brings your poster to life and reveals unseen, extra content; including a 3D augmented reality cube with access to slow-motion clips demonstrating unique cheetah physiology, as well as stand alone exclusive interviews with scientists in the field revealing how making the programmes helped to uncover new animal behaviours and provide insight into ongoing studies.

RESEARCHERS have created a spirit trail around Stoke-on-Trent as part of a £244,000 project celebrating the city’s role as a national centre of spiritualism. The map features 40 locations – from churches to family living rooms – which have been registered as places of spiritualist worship at some point over the last 145 years.